Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken and bacon with the freshness of spinach. The creamy Alfredo sauce ties everything together for a delicious meal.
Simple and Delicious Recipe for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
Alright folks, buckle up! It’s time to dive into the world of savory pasta that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
8 ounces penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Now let’s get cooking!
Cook the Pasta
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken
Next up, in a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until they are no longer pink in the center. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Bacon
Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach, and cook until wilted.
Add Cherry Tomatoes
Throw in those halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Make Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the butter and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne hot and dig in!
Tips:
For a Vegetarian Twist: Omit the chicken and bacon, or use plant-based alternatives. It’s still going to be delish.
Cheese Lovers: Mix things up with different cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago. Get creative!
Add More Veggies: Other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make wonderful additions for more flavor and color.
This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. Enjoy the delicious combination of chicken, bacon, and spinach in a creamy Alfredo sauce!
